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If you’re a homeowner in Bergen County, NJ and you’ve fallen behind on your mortgage payments, you’re not alone — and you’re not out of options. Whether it’s due to job loss, rising expenses, divorce, or unexpected medical bills, many homeowners find themselves struggling to keep up.
The good news? You don’t have to wait until foreclosure notices start showing up at your door. There are steps you can take right now to protect your home, your credit, and your future.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- The consequences of missed mortgage payments
- Your legal rights as a homeowner in New Jersey
- Actionable steps you can take today
- How working with a hybrid real estate agent/investor can give you more options
🏚️ What Happens If You Miss a Mortgage Payment?
Missing a mortgage payment doesn’t mean you lose your home overnight — but time is not on your side.
Here’s a typical timeline for missed payments in New Jersey:
- 30 Days Late: Your lender will report the missed payment to credit bureaus, and you’ll begin receiving collection calls or letters.
- 90 Days Late: The lender may begin pre-foreclosure proceedings and issue a Notice of Intent to Foreclose.
- 120+ Days Late: Foreclosure action can officially begin. Your home may be scheduled for auction.
New Jersey is a judicial foreclosure state, meaning the lender must go through the court system — which gives you more time to act if you get proactive.
⚖️ What Are Your Rights as a NJ Homeowner?
In New Jersey, you have the right to:
- Receive notice before foreclosure begins
- Request loan modification or forbearance
- Redeem your home up until final foreclosure
- Sell your home at any time before the sheriff sale
Knowing these rights is crucial — but exercising them quickly is even more important. Many homeowners wait too long and limit their options.
🛠️ What You Can Do Right Now
If you’re behind on your mortgage payments, here are some smart steps to take immediately:
1. Contact Your Lender
It might feel intimidating, but many lenders offer:
- Temporary forbearance plans
- Loan modifications
- Payment deferrals
Ask them what programs are available. Document everything.
2. Review Your Finances
Identify whether this is a temporary hardship or a long-term financial issue. This will help guide whether it makes sense to keep the home or sell it.
3. Explore Selling Before Foreclosure
If keeping the home isn’t realistic, selling before foreclosure gives you more control and may preserve your credit.
This is where a hybrid real estate agent/investor like myself can help. I offer:
- Full market listing services if you want top dollar
- Direct cash offers if you need speed and simplicity
- Creative solutions, including short sale assistance, leasebacks, or subject-to financing
🏃♂️ Why Acting Fast Matters
Here’s what homeowners in Bergen County need to understand:
- The longer you wait, the fewer options you’ll have.
- Foreclosure will severely damage your credit for up to 7 years.
- You may lose all your equity in the property.
- Selling before foreclosure can help you walk away with cash — and dignity.
📍 Real Examples in Bergen County
I’ve worked with sellers in towns like Hackensack, Teaneck, Garfield, and Englewood who were facing foreclosure but were able to:
- Sell their home as-is, avoiding repairs and commissions
- Get a fast closing to stop foreclosure proceedings
- Walk away with thousands in equity they would have lost at auction
Every situation is different — but the sooner we talk, the more flexible the options.
🤝 Why Work with a Hybrid Agent/Investor?
Most agents will try to list your home. Most investors will only make lowball cash offers.
As a hybrid professional, I help you evaluate both paths — and even combine them when needed.
Here’s what I offer:
- List your home on the MLS for maximum exposure — if time allows
- Make you a fair cash offer if you need to sell fast
- Handle all paperwork and work directly with your lender if foreclosure is already in motion
- Help with relocation resources, probate concerns, and more
You’re not just a lead — you’re a homeowner with a lot on your plate. I understand that.
🧭 Next Steps for Homeowners Behind on Payments
- Don’t ignore the problem — foreclosure won’t go away on its own
- Get clarity on your situation — how much do you owe, what’s your home worth, how long do you have?
- Reach out to a local expert who understands both traditional sales and creative solutions
📞 Talk to Someone Who Understands What You’re Going Through
If you’re behind on mortgage payments in Bergen County and not sure what to do next, I’m here to help — without pressure or judgment.
I’m Kevin Hill, a licensed real estate agent and investor based right here in Bergen County. Whether you want to sell your house fast, try a short sale, or explore your listing options, I can walk you through your choices and help you make the best decision for your situation.
📱 Call or text me at 201-214-1349
🌐 Or visit NJHousePartners.com to learn more or request a confidential consultation.
🔑 Remember:
You have more power than you think. The key is using it before someone else does.